Beyond the Quiet
Brenda Hill

Reviewed by Ashley Merrill

Lisa, a woman in her mid forties has never experienced life.  She went through the motions of her marriage and raised a daughter.  It takes losing her husband and finding out some terrible truths about what he did while they were married to really open up her eyes. She realizes that she has been living in a near loveless marriage and has never taken the time to get to know herself.  Coming to the harsh realization that she is short on money, Lisa picks herself up and out of her depression and pity party and gets back to work as a real estate agent.  This is where she meets Terry. Terry is the other piece in the puzzle to Lisa finally opening up enough to learn about herself.

Brenda Hill takes her readers through a story all about Lisa and herself discovery. She finds out what it is like to truly love someone, to truly hate someone, and all that is in between.  At forty-four years old Lisa is just starting to live her life.  Her self-discovery and attempt to open up to the world is jarred when she learns more about her husband’s betrayal, her friend’s betrayal, and encounters a man who is stalking her.  This story is definitely not lacking in excitement!

What I truly love about this story is the fact that although it has many components to it, they are all vital to the story line and the reader is never once confused about what is going on.  Brenda Hill does an absolutely fantastic job of writing in a clear, concise fashion that allows for her readers to keep up and enjoy everything they are given.  To me this is one of the big hurdles of being a truly talented, amazing writer; and Brenda Hill has nailed it!  

If any of her readers never experienced what real love is like, Brenda Hill gives it to them in big doses in regards to Lisa and Terry’s relationship.  Each and every time that they are together, Brenda Hill does a perfect job at not only describing the way that they are totally and wholly in love with each other, but she allows her readers to feel the love deep in their souls.  I got those warm and fuzzy feelings each time I read about their experiences together.  To be able to love like that even once in your life, if only for a few months, is truly a gift. 

I think the ending of this book was surprising, but appropriate.  I would recommend this to anyone who is ready to take on not only the joy of a good, solid read, but also for those ready to go along with Lisa on her journey through life and self discovery to what it means to truly live.